Overview
- The unannounced project is described as a mobile personalization device that keeps users connected to Amazon services such as shopping, Prime Video, Prime Music and partners like Grubhub.
- Sources say Alexa would be central to the experience though not the phone's operating system, reflecting Amazon’s AI-focused revamp of its assistant.
- Development is being led by ZeroOne, a year-old group headed by former Microsoft executive J Allard within Amazon’s devices unit overseen by Panos Panay.
- Amazon is exploring both a traditional smartphone and a minimalist “dumbphone” inspired in part by the Light Phone, and it has not yet approached wireless carriers.
- Key details remain undecided and the project could be canceled, with no pricing, timeline or budget disclosed and Amazon declining to comment; the effort follows the Fire Phone’s 2014 failure and enters a market dominated by Apple and Samsung with IDC expecting a 13% shipment drop in 2026.